“Watch Out For False Prophets!”

“Watch Out For False Prophets!”(Mt.7:15-20).
An unknown future is a major theme of religion. As such prophets are important to religion since an assurance of the future comes through prophecy. However, religions also acknowledge the presence of false prophets.
But who is a prophet? “In religion, a prophet is an individual who is regarded as being in contact with a divine being and is said to speak on behalf of that being, serving as an intermediary with humanity by delivering messages or teachings from the supernatural source to other people.”
False prophets thrive because it is often difficult to distinguish between prophets, seers, fortune tellers, sorcerers and ‘ngambi people.’ We may include palm readers, astrologers and those who practice necromancy.
Specific to the Old Testament, the fulfilment of a prophecy was one important way of determining a true prophet. “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptiously. Do not be afraid of him”(Dt.18:22).
In keeping with this tradition of determining a true prophet and what is true prophecy our Lord says, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them…Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
My people say when “bush fowls” come and mingle with the domestic fowls, it becomes difficult to know which is which.
A prophet should be in the counsel of God before claiming his message is from the LORD. And a prophet cannot claim a message from God, yet tell you to go in a different direction (cf. Dt.13:1-5).
Jesus expects each one of us to watch out for false prophets. Whoever claims a message from God but having a secret agenda is a false prophet. Both true and false prophets are recognized by their fruit (they are recognized by the fulfilment of their prophecies).
A good tree(prophet) produces good fruit(breeds God-fearing believers). And to us who bring the message, if our teachings are false, we are doomed to destruction.
But for you my friend, watch out for false prophets and pray for discernment. “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world…”(I Jn.4:1
Yes, “not all that glitters is gold!” The old saying is still relevant for our good: “Caveat Emptor!”– Let the buyer beware! To quote Larry Eubanks, “In seeking truth, beware those who use ‘bold subterfuge!'” Following a false prophet is like entering through the wide gate and the broad road that leads to destruction.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ give me a discerning spirit so that I can be able to discern truth from ‘bold subterfuge.’ Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.